Chapter 157: Won't you even spare a glance?

Watching the small face of Xu An'an illuminated by the fireworks, her clear eyes sparkling with brilliant light, Jiang Li suddenly felt his entire being grow still.

No one noticed his phone screen glowing. It was displaying the photo he had surreptitiously snapped from Xu An'an's wallet. Jiang Li had originally intended to ask if the figure in the photo was Xie Che, as he had compared them and concluded that only Xie Che’s silhouette matched. It wasn’t just a resemblance; they were identical.

But now, he didn’t want to ask. It felt like asking something he already knew the answer to, and besides, Xu An'an had barely spoken to Xie Che earlier, so perhaps he had become that faint glimmer of light in the depths of her heart. Otherwise, she wouldn't have ended up with Jiang Yu.

The moonlight stretched long, blending with the fireworks. The two of them fell quiet. One was genuinely admiring the display, while the other’s mind was racing, entirely unconcerned with the fortune this grand spectacle must have cost—a mere drop in the bucket for him.

Jiang Li had arranged the fireworks tonight specifically for Xu An'an. A little further ahead, there was even a heart-shaped pattern laid out in roses. He had planned to confess his feelings. If only he hadn't asked that foolish question about her first love; now, it had become a thorn in his side, impossible to pull out.

By the time the fireworks came to a complete end, an hour had passed. Xu An'an felt thoroughly satisfied. "This must have cost a fortune. This year's alumni reunion is truly something else!"

Noticing that Jiang Li had been silent for a while, she looked over and saw him leaning back, seemingly asleep. Could he really fall asleep through all this? Was he just pretending? Xu An'an didn't want to be fooled again, so she leaned in slowly. "Second Master, are you asleep? Should we go home? It's easy to catch a cold sleeping out here."

After waiting a few seconds and confirming he was indeed asleep, she felt conflicted. Should she wake him or let him be? If he caught another cold, it would be a disaster. She remembered having a jacket in her bag, so she took it out and draped it over him. Noticing the faint shadows under his eyes, she couldn't bear to wake him. Let him nap for a while. She knew well enough how busy he had been lately.

However, Jiang Li only dozed for half an hour. When he woke, he found Xu An'an sitting nearby, looking a bit bored as she used a twig to draw something on the ground.

His voice was hoarse as he spoke. "Sorry, I fell asleep."

Xu An'an’s pupils contracted slightly, and she hurriedly used the twig to smudge the sand on the ground. "It’s fine, I can tell you’re exhausted."

Jiang Li noticed her movement. "What were you drawing?"

"Nothing, just doodling." She tossed the twig aside and stood up, brushing the dust off her clothes. "Let’s go, time to head home."

It was indeed getting late, so Jiang Li didn't press her. However, he still cast a glance at the ground. It looked like two little figures snuggling together.

Xu An'an turned back, saw Jiang Li studying the drawing, and, startled, grabbed him and bolted toward the school gate. "If we don't hurry, the gate will be locked!"

Unsurprisingly, the gate was already locked. When the fireworks started, everyone had left one after another, watching the show from outside the school walls. No one had expected there to be fireworks. Now, Xu An'an and Jiang Li had no choice but to climb over.

Climbing was a piece of cake for Jiang Li. His movements were swift and decisive; in two or three steps, he was on top of the wall, then reached down to pull Xu An'an up. He jumped down first and opened his arms. "Jump."

"Why not hold me and jump like that night?" Xu An'an was a little scared.

"Don't you trust me?" Jiang Li was testing her, his gaze firm. "I can definitely catch you."

Xu An'an hesitated, but then she spotted security guards patrolling nearby. If they were caught, she’d be branded a thief! Without another thought, she closed her eyes and jumped.

The sensation of weightlessness made her body tense up until she landed in a solid, warm embrace. Only then did she dare to open her eyes.

Jiang Li raised an eyebrow. "See? I didn't lie to you."

Xu An'an’s face heated up, and she struggled to get down. "Thank you."

Seeing her try to leave, Jiang Li took her small hand, interlocking his fingers with hers. "Every time it’s just a verbal thank you—isn't that a bit perfunctory?"

It was a bit perfunctory. But Jiang Li had helped her so many times, and she truly didn't know how to repay him. After all, what could the famous Second Master possibly lack? Wasn't everything he wanted just a word away?

Xu An'an asked what he wanted. "Anything within my capabilities, I will do my best to fulfill."

Jiang Li knew exactly what she was thinking. Many people tried to send him gifts, racking their brains to find rare, expensive items, but he had never liked those things.

"When you give a gift, it's the sentiment that counts. Just give me something you think is good."

"Anything at all?" she asked, still unsure.

Jiang Li nodded decisively.

Xu An'an looked left and right, then, as if discovering a new continent, she ran a few steps away and crouched down on the cobblestone path. She began rummaging through the stones with a small twig.

Jiang Li walked over. "Did you lose something?"

"Wait a second."

She searched intently, picked up a cobblestone, washed it clean at a nearby faucet, and handed it to him. "A thank you gift for you."

Jiang Li’s mouth twitched violently. He had said he didn't care about value, but this was a bit too perfunctory—or was there some hidden meaning? Still, out of respect for how earnestly she had searched for it, he took it and tucked it into his pocket. "Thank you."

Xu An'an was silent for a few seconds. He didn't even take a look at it? "You're welcome."

He was just saying it politely, but she had taken it seriously. If she’d known, she wouldn't have given it to him; she would have kept it for her collection. Yes, she had a habit of collecting cobblestones. Every time she encountered a newly paved path, she couldn't help but go "treasure hunting," and she would only ever take one stone from a single location, believing that there was only one "good" thing to be found.

After arriving home, Xu An'an petted the cat downstairs as usual. "You go take a shower first. Remember to put your clothes in the laundry basket."

Jiang Li paused, as she rarely reminded him of such things, causing him to look back at her twice. But he couldn't discern anything from her expression. "Understood."

Ten minutes later, Xu An'an set the fat cat down and crept upstairs. Hearing the water running in the bathroom, she tiptoed to the door, only to find the basket completely empty. She had planned to wait for him to change so she could sneak the stone back, fearing he might throw it away.

Suddenly, the water stopped.

Frightened, Xu An'an darted back into her room, terrified that Jiang Li might open the door and drag her inside.